The 51-year-old manager took the reigns to the Hammers after Graham Potter, 50, was sacked following the London club’s poor start to the season, and Santo has now revealed he and the team have been busy creating a “bond” ahead of their next game with Arsenal on Saturday (04.10.25).
Speaking during a press conference, the head coach said: “It’s been hard work.
“I think everybody at the club is making a big effort to really help and create this knowledge and bond.
“It’s all about that. Everybody at the club is really committed to get things going, get to know each other better and helping and assisting what we need for the players, giving meaningful insights about the players.
“It’s been hard work.”
Santo’s first outing as manager at West Ham came on Monday (29.09.25), where he earned the Hammers a much-needed point in their 1-1 draw with Everton.
In a shake-up to the squad, Santo chose not to start James Ward-Prowse, who he had previously managed when the 30-year-old midfielder was on loan at Nottingham Forest last season.
The head coach said of his decision to drop Ward-Prowse for the Everton game: “We are trying to know the players as soon as possible so we can make proper solutions. James was not involved.
“Let's see after more training sessions. It is about what the team needs and wants - it is going to be a long season.”
West Ham are now set to face Arsenal, and Santo has accepted their opponents will be a “big problem” for his side due to their strong set-pieces.
He said: “We have been working and I think we improved in the last game. There is still a problem with the second phase but it is something we are trying to address.”
West Ham are currently sat in 19th place in the Premier League, and fans have been unhappy with the club’s performance so far this season.
However, Santo is determined to bring the fans closer together.
He explained: “They were there in Liverpool and helped us and they'll be there on Saturday. It's up to us to give back to them.
“The issues [like fan protests] are too soon for me to go into - it is not up to me. I am worried about the bond with the team and the fans. When that's there, the players and everyone feels joy.”
